Laundry Room Design Tips

Convinced to convert your laundry room 
to a more comfortable, inviting space?

Here are a few designer how-to tips

Begin with the dynamic duo 

It all starts with the washer and dryer, so choose the right set. Consider how many loads per week your household generates. 

If you're like most people, your current washer is 11 years old or older, and you won't shop for a new one until the old one gives up the ghost. 

Expect a learning curve, as machines have morphed from simple mechanics to high-tech engines. Check out the market, either in the store or online (just 8enter manufacturer names in a search engine to find their websites). 

Machines now come with remote controls and monitoring devices, they steam-clean, are friendly to silks and wools, and the biggest plus in our time-starved age: Some units can move a cycle from wash to bone dry inside of 47 minutes. Water and energy-efficiency are important factors. 

Front-loaders can consume half to one-quarter of electricity than older top-loading machines. 

Still prefer top-loading machines? There's good news there: New models have geared down their energy and water consumption, as well. If your home is starved for space, stick with stackable units. 

Consider the design 

* Stow it: Storage is key If you don't have space to build out, build up. Adding storage space pares down the clutter to free more room for work space. 

Maximize storage with overhead cabinets, hanging systems, hooks, laundry caddies or towers for detergents. New styles of drying racks are more space-friendly and design-savvy. Just remember the basic rule: Get it off the floor. 

* Surfaces: Laundry rooms are wet spaces. Expect soggy sports clothes and slop to occur, and be prepared with durable, waterproof surfaces. No room for rugs in here. 

* Double it up: If space allows, install an island or table with seating so that your children can paint, draw or craft while you're folding and ironing in the laundry room. The washable surfaces make this a natural craft zone. 

Train children while they're young by getting them to learn the basics of folding towels. 

* Why just wash clothes? Wash the dog, too. If you're having a room re-plumbed for laundry units, why not take it a step further and install a dog bath. It will save your ensuite soaker tub from claw marks. 

* Counter plan: Map out folding surfaces, even in a tight space. It will spare you from having to fold laundry over the beds. 

* Lighting: Fluorescent lights throw a blue cast, muddying your impression of your laundry's cleanliness. Choose neutral lights with yellow undertone to get a purer picture. 

* You've been framed: Delight your children by framing their artwork and hanging it in the laundry room. If it gets wet, no harm done. Your little Rembrandt can whip up another original in a flash. 

* Careful with pricey art: A laundry room's humidity level can be unfriendly to watercolors.